National Parks Travel Guide for all demographics
One of the US’s main attractions is their national parks. We have a vast number of them, in many different forms. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to the seven Islands West of Key West in Florida, America has 63 National Parks. Since COVID began, they have been struggling to get more people into the parks. Attendance was at all-time high in 2019 directly before COVID but has not improved since. With America currently struggling with a mental health crisis and being the 12th most obese country in the world, there is a need for national park visitation. By encouraging more people to visit these parks, we can improve the mental and physical health as well as improving the social interaction of American citizens.
Project Scope
The central aim of this project is to enhance the quality of life for individuals by researching and developing a comprehensive source. This resource will appeal to all demographics specifically for those who feel like they are not as “welcome” in National Parks. These groups typically refer to minorities, retirees and people with disabilities. By doing this, national parks attendance will not only go up, but will be a more including environment. Additionally, this will also help the wellness of citizens and reconnect them with nature and the people around them.
Research
The main focus going into research was the top 3 established sub-problems. One being, Mental health and life being overwhelming, making
it important to prioritize fun and enjoyment at times. The second sub problem is physical health including exercising, hiking and getting
outside more. The last one is getting off technology for a while and connecting with new people as well as our loved ones.
Research consisted of many different studies. Looking at over 20 different sources in journals, websites, articles, and videos was one way of
gathering data. Other ways consisted of surveys, personas, user expert interviews, and finally a comparative analysis that is pictured to the right
which compared the most likely successful solution possible.
Proposed Solution
After concluding the research, I decided on an app to build as well as a poster that is a travel guide with a QR code that opens to the app. This app would focus on interaction and inclusion. In starting next steps, I used my research to find inspiration as well as apps to use as references. Finally, I had a prototype. To the right is the sketches that contributed to the creation of the app along with the site map that established the exact flow of the app.
Final Product
The finished product focuses on universal design. The app is a example of how the app would look when fully coded however in its current state remains a prototype until collaboration with an engineer.
